Wayne Gretzky is on hand for the men’s gold medal game between the United States and Canada on Sunday.
Who is he rooting for?
You would think that it would be obvious that Gretzky, the Chosen One, would be rooting for Canada. Gretzky was born and raised in Canada. He’s widely considered the greatest hockey player of all-time. But in recent years, Gretzky has been friendly with President Trump, who has threatened Canada and suggested that it could become America’s 51st state.
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Gretzky was asked who he’ll be rooting for on Sunday. He’s making it clear he’s rooting for Canada.
“I’m a hockey player. I’m a Canadian, a true Canadian. I want Canada 🇨🇦 to win a gold medal. I’ve never wavered from that. I’ve been friends with prime minsters and presidents. Somehow there’s been a little bit more tension than normal. At the end of the day, Canada and the US are like brothers and sisters, they’re gonna fight and argue but eventually they’ll come together. That’s the way I see it,” he said.
Wayne Gretzky on air.CBC.
(CBC.)
Gretzky has faced criticism for his friendship and relationship with President Trump, amid the ongoing U.S.-Canada tensions.
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But while Gretzky has faced criticism, he hasn’t backed down.
“People are going to say and believe what they want,” Gretzky said on an episode of the “100% Hockey” podcast co-hosted by Darren Millard and John Shannon. “The bottom line is, I know in my heart I’m Canadian, I’ve stayed Canadian and I’m a Canadian for life.”
Gretzky has been booed by some Canadians, which he’s glad his late father hasn’t been around to see.
“You’ve got to take the good with the bad,” Gretzky said. “I’m glad he didn’t have to see it.”
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Gretzky claims he’s not really into politics
While Gretzky has been friendly with President Trump, he claims he’s not really into politics.
“I’m Canadian,” Gretzky said. “I can’t vote in the U.S. because I live in the U.S. and I’m Canadian. I can’t vote in Canada because I don’t live in Canada.
“I’m not into politics. And so I can’t stop the prime minister from saying something. I can’t stop the president from saying something. I just kind of like, well, I’m just a hockey player, simple as that.”
Do you buy it, though?
This story was originally published by The Spun on Feb 22, 2026, where it first appeared in the Olympics section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.